We're having some essential repairs made and accepted a quote from a MB who is now completing our job. The original quote was fine. . expensive but it needed to be done and they aired us that the range they quoted would likely be exactly what the job would come in at. The builder has excellent feedback on the no Cowboys site and he certainly seems to know what he's doing. However. In the process of fitting the replacement stairs, he has damaged the side of the walls plus some rimu, which has meant several more hours here replastering and I hope, repainting! Also, the stair measurement was taken incorrectly by the joiner, which means our builder has had to make additions that weren't planned for. my understanding is this part of it will be covered by the stair maker as he made the mistake. But I'm really worried that we're going to be charged for all this extra labor and the builder is being cagey when I ask him :( we're not experienced in dealing with tradesmen and although I don't think for a second he's dodgy, I do think he's going to try to recoup the considerable extra labor involved as described above. thoughts?
bfinn,
Oct 6, 11:37pm
*advised us
johotech,
Oct 6, 11:40pm
It all sounds like it should be included in the initial price you received.
bfinn,
Oct 6, 11:47pm
That's what I thought but he's hedging and saying Oh I'll ask my wife (who does the accounts). I just think that if he has damaged or walls to the point where they need re plastering and re painting the we shouldn't have to wear that cost? ! and same for the stairs being very difficult to fit. Surely he should bill the stair maker everything extra? I'm stressing out a bit as I don't want confrontation and his actual work is very good, but there's been a cluster of unforseen events that didn't have anything to do with us yet I feel like there's a good chance we're going to be billed for it. We simply don't have the money for that.
lythande1,
Oct 7, 1:23am
aired?
Secondly. DON'T ask him, that indicates you think you have some responsibility to pay for this. You don't. What you do is say nothing, other than things like, when will that be sorted etc. and if THEY bring up the subject of extra money for it, you say your liability insurance should cover your mistakes.
bfinn,
Oct 7, 1:48am
aired = advised.
damn auto correct.
ksam,
Oct 7, 2:54am
Too early to stress, as far as you're concerned, you'll pay the quoted price. Most builders would allow for little things like that in the quote (especially with installing stairs), I'm assuming he sourced the joiner, they'll need to work those issues between themselves. My advice, don't stress, a builder with a good rep, doesn't want to lose it over a bit of plaster and paint, especially if he damaged it.
bfinn,
Oct 7, 3:38am
Thank you :) yes I'm definitely jumping the gun a little, I know. It's been an damn repair and we've been saving hard for it so I'm a little nervous I guess! lol
nzjay,
Oct 7, 4:02am
And take plenty of photos of damage etc. as evidence. you might need it.
asue,
Oct 7, 6:20am
I wouldn't say anything. Wait for the account. Pay the quoted amount and if its anymore, send a letter stating all the reasons why you won't be paying anymore. Wait for the response. If the builder wants more let him pay to take you to the disputes tribunal over the outstanding amount. Start record and photo collecting now just in case and document as much as possible. Very important to keep a paper trail - just in case. Don't phone as its not really an accurate account of events.
mm12345,
Oct 7, 6:36am
As usual in these cases, I'm not taking sides based on heresay. The best method for dealing with disputes is starting with "good faith". The best method to get yourself wound up about an issue - which might be able to be resolved amicably - is to take advice on forums when nobody (except the OP) has seen details of the original contract, nor has seen what's actually happened.
The best advice I've had (from good lawyers) when stuck in a bit of a pickle is to do whatever you can to sort it out yourself. Most tradies are pretty reasonable until something gets right up their nose - like a customer turning sour on an incomplete project when they're trying to do their best.
Shame on the joiner for mis-measuring. That's effing ridiculous.
kenw1,
Oct 7, 8:37am
Good Faith and a MB, Next thing will be three wise men on camels going up the stairs.
hammer23,
Oct 7, 8:48am
You have been let down by the joiner and if the stairs were a tight fit then the builder should not of carried on if there was a risk of damaging the walls. Both of them should wear the cost not you. To late now but these stairs could have been fitted tight to the walls and not a mark on wall. We do it like that often and my Paremata crew could have done it for you easy peesie.
kaddiew,
Sep 8, 9:47pm
I thought a QUOTE was a set figure you pay - and a "range" that would "likely" be the exact cost, was an ESTIMATE? Which do you have?
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.